Heart of Midlothian

1 January 1970

Heart of Midlothian slideshow

Hearts midfielder Steven Naismith ends Hibernian's hopes of second

Neil Lennon was thwarted in his ­attempt to steer Hibernian into second place in the Scottish Premiership in their first season ­after promotion by a Hearts victory that enraptured the home fans in a crowd of 19,324 at Tynecastle. The damage was done by goals from Kyle Lafferty and Steven Naismith, on either side of Hibs’ contribution, a penalty kick put away by Florian Kamberi. Naismith, cited by the Scottish Football Association compliance ­officer for a challenge on Celtic’s Scott Brown in Sunday’s defeat, has until today to accept a two-match ban or appeal against the sanction, so was included in the Hearts midfield. David Milinkovic, Danny Amankwaa, Harry Cochrane and Aaron Hughes all came in, to ­replace John Souttar, Don Cowie, Ross Callachan and Lewis Moore respectively. Hibs made one change, replacing Jamie Maclaren with Brandon Barker. It was Barker who gave Hibs hope in an uninspired first half for the visitors but the English forward, on loan from Manchester City, placed two efforts straight into the grasp of Jon McLaughlin. In the 26th minute normally ­dependable Hibs full-back Lewis Stevenson was ambushed by Lafferty inside the box and watched helplessly as the Northern Irishman scored his 19th goal of the season. Hibs’ fortunes turned, however, early in the second half, when Joaquim Adao caught Stevenson’s heel inside the Hearts box for what referee Craig Thomson construed as a penalty kick. Kamberi stepped up to convert with a placed finish. The Hibs’ support behind McLaughlin’s goal got nearly 10 minutes of euphoria out of the equaliser before the pendulum swung again. Lafferty was involved once more, this time as the victim of a clumsy challenge by Paul Hanlon. From the free-kick, Cochrane’s precise, raking delivery was met by Naismith with a glancing header. Hibs responded by replacing Hanlon with Maclaren and spent the closing stages pushing three into attack, while Hearts were forced into a substitution when Cochrane went down with cramp, the teenager being replaced with Callachan. Shortly afterwards, Milinkovic aroused Lennon’s ire by lying in the Hibs penalty area with his leg outstretched, seemingly suffering from the same ailment as Cochrane. Lennon’s incandescent protest to the fourth official left no doubt of his opinion, but if he was gratified by the addition of six minutes of stoppage time, the Hibs manager was visibly frustrated by his players’ inability to force the equaliser that would have kept alive their hopes Team details Heart of Midlothian (4-3-3): McLaughlin; Smith, Hughes, Berra, Mitchell; Naismith, Adao (Cowie 69), Cochrane (Callachan 84); Amankwaa, Lafferty, Milinkovic (McDonald 89). Subs: Hamilton (g), Moore, Henderson, Hamilton. Booked: Lafferty. Hibernian (3-5-1-1): Marciano; Ambrose, McGregor, Hanlon (McLaren 67); Boyle (McGeouch 40), Allan (Slivka 78), Whittaker, McGinn, Stevenson; Barker, Kamberi. Subs: Bell (g), Bartley, Swanson, Shaw. Booked: Whittaker, McGregor. Referee: Craig Thomson.

Scott McTominay praised by Alex McLeish after being named in Scotland squad

It would stretch acceptable hyperbole to say that Alex McLeish looked into Scott McTominay’s eyes, saw Saltire blue and decided to build a Scotland team around him. What is true, however, is that McLeish drove through the recent Siberian weather so that he could judge for himself whether or not the highly regarded Manchester United midfielder genuinely wanted to pledge fealty to the land of his father’s birth. McLeish was sufficiently persuaded to include the 21-year-old – who turned down a request from Gareth Southgate to declare for England - in the squad for the Scots’ forthcoming friendlies, at home to Costa Rica and away to Hungary in Budapest. The 27-strong pool includes five other players new to this level – Oli McBurnie (Swansea), Dylan McGeouch (Hibernian), Barry Douglas (Wolves), Scott McKenna (Aberdeen) and the Heart of Midlothian goalkeeper, Jon McLaughlin. Asked if, at the start of his second stint as Scotland manager, he regarded McTominay as his first success, McLeish said: “Yeah I felt very chuffed with myself with that one. I did a lot of travelling that night to get to Manchester - it was a wicked night, with all the snow. I was actually very surprised by my first exchange with him because he said ‘I want to play for Scotland’. “I said, ‘Listen I’m not forcing it down your throat’ and he said that Jose Mourinho wanted to release it at a certain time after the Crystal Palace game. Scott intimated that he definitely wanted to play for Scotland. I said I’d phone him again next week when he could give me a definitive answer. “The fans have been giving him some banter saying he chose us because he wants to have his holidays every summer, but he played a great game at the weekend. I was at the Palace game and, unfortunately, he came off at half time because United’s midfield was a wee bit indisciplined. McTominay is a man on a mission Credit: PA “I must stress that he wasn’t. He had to make way for a couple of other players, but he came back with a giant bounce against Liverpool. “I think he’s ready and I think he’s got the temperament and mentality. I believe he has the confidence and there is so much Jose can impart to Scott McTominay. Now I believe we can help him to progress also by giving him additional advice. “He’s not got all the answers. He’s 21. He’s a young guy learning the game and we have to be patient with young guys, but my first game for Scotland was at 21 and I realised right away that I had to retain possession. I knew if you lose the ball in international football you might not get another game. “One mistake and you retire with one cap saying, “I’m happy, I got a cap!’, so it’s up to these guys to bring their club level but also to improve when they get here both mentally and technically.” Along with the six players who have not previously been named in Scotland squads, McLeish included three who have been with previous groups but who have not been capped - Fulham’s Kevin McDonald, Jamie Murphy, on loan to Rangers from Brighton, and the Millwall goalkeeper Jordan Archer. Several names familiar from recent campaigns were absent from the squad, some through injury but others were omitted because McLeish wanted to make a significant start on blooding the next generation of Scotland players. The manager, though, took pains to speak to previous regulars, like Robert Snodgrass and James McArthur. “I paid respect to the older fellows,” he said. “They’re not old guys – they’re experienced players and we’re going to need experience. I spoke to all the fellows who have been involved recently and said, ‘I know what you can do - you’re very much in my thoughts but I’m going to look at some other players at this particular international period’. “You need the nous and the experience of what those guys can do.” Aside from adding McTominay’s potential to Scotland’s strength, McLeish has inherited two highly rated defenders in Andrew Robertson of Liverpool and Celtic’s Kieran Tierney. The twist is that both play at left back but, although Tierney has featured on the other flank, he has also proved adept as a central defender for Celtic and also for the Scots when they played an autumn friendly against the Dutch in Aberdeen. “It is not in my plans to go forward with Tierney as the right back for Scotland,” McLeish said. “I don’t want to talk about systems, but you could see the way Tierney and Robertson fitted in at Pittodrie. “That is a good option for us. You want to get your best players in the team and those are two of the best players that the country has produced.” The Tartan Army are also likely to be introduced to McBurnie, although McLeish has yet to watch him play in person. “We have not seen much of Oli McBurnie. He has come late in the day,” McLeish said. “I have seen the last three or four Barnsley videos and he looks as if he has got a character about him. He is a guy who wants to play for Scotland and who has the mentality to play for us. He is unfazed by any opponent he comes across.” Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that, following this month’s fixtures and the June visit to Peru and Mexico, Scotland will meet Belgium in a friendly at Hampden Park on Friday, September 7. McLeish said: “As a side currently ranked in the top five in the world, Belgium are the standard to which our players should be aspiring.”

Scott McTominay praised by Alex McLeish after being named in Scotland squad

It would stretch acceptable hyperbole to say that Alex McLeish looked into Scott McTominay’s eyes, saw Saltire blue and decided to build a Scotland team around him. What is true, however, is that McLeish drove through the recent Siberian weather so that he could judge for himself whether or not the highly regarded Manchester United midfielder genuinely wanted to pledge fealty to the land of his father’s birth. McLeish was sufficiently persuaded to include the 21-year-old – who turned down a request from Gareth Southgate to declare for England - in the squad for the Scots’ forthcoming friendlies, at home to Costa Rica and away to Hungary in Budapest. The 27-strong pool includes five other players new to this level – Oli McBurnie (Swansea), Dylan McGeouch (Hibernian), Barry Douglas (Wolves), Scott McKenna (Aberdeen) and the Heart of Midlothian goalkeeper, Jon McLaughlin. Asked if, at the start of his second stint as Scotland manager, he regarded McTominay as his first success, McLeish said: “Yeah I felt very chuffed with myself with that one. I did a lot of travelling that night to get to Manchester - it was a wicked night, with all the snow. I was actually very surprised by my first exchange with him because he said ‘I want to play for Scotland’. “I said, ‘Listen I’m not forcing it down your throat’ and he said that Jose Mourinho wanted to release it at a certain time after the Crystal Palace game. Scott intimated that he definitely wanted to play for Scotland. I said I’d phone him again next week when he could give me a definitive answer. “The fans have been giving him some banter saying he chose us because he wants to have his holidays every summer, but he played a great game at the weekend. I was at the Palace game and, unfortunately, he came off at half time because United’s midfield was a wee bit indisciplined. McTominay is a man on a mission Credit: PA “I must stress that he wasn’t. He had to make way for a couple of other players, but he came back with a giant bounce against Liverpool. “I think he’s ready and I think he’s got the temperament and mentality. I believe he has the confidence and there is so much Jose can impart to Scott McTominay. Now I believe we can help him to progress also by giving him additional advice. “He’s not got all the answers. He’s 21. He’s a young guy learning the game and we have to be patient with young guys, but my first game for Scotland was at 21 and I realised right away that I had to retain possession. I knew if you lose the ball in international football you might not get another game. “One mistake and you retire with one cap saying, “I’m happy, I got a cap!’, so it’s up to these guys to bring their club level but also to improve when they get here both mentally and technically.” Along with the six players who have not previously been named in Scotland squads, McLeish included three who have been with previous groups but who have not been capped - Fulham’s Kevin McDonald, Jamie Murphy, on loan to Rangers from Brighton, and the Millwall goalkeeper Jordan Archer. Several names familiar from recent campaigns were absent from the squad, some through injury but others were omitted because McLeish wanted to make a significant start on blooding the next generation of Scotland players. The manager, though, took pains to speak to previous regulars, like Robert Snodgrass and James McArthur. “I paid respect to the older fellows,” he said. “They’re not old guys – they’re experienced players and we’re going to need experience. I spoke to all the fellows who have been involved recently and said, ‘I know what you can do - you’re very much in my thoughts but I’m going to look at some other players at this particular international period’. “You need the nous and the experience of what those guys can do.” Aside from adding McTominay’s potential to Scotland’s strength, McLeish has inherited two highly rated defenders in Andrew Robertson of Liverpool and Celtic’s Kieran Tierney. The twist is that both play at left back but, although Tierney has featured on the other flank, he has also proved adept as a central defender for Celtic and also for the Scots when they played an autumn friendly against the Dutch in Aberdeen. “It is not in my plans to go forward with Tierney as the right back for Scotland,” McLeish said. “I don’t want to talk about systems, but you could see the way Tierney and Robertson fitted in at Pittodrie. “That is a good option for us. You want to get your best players in the team and those are two of the best players that the country has produced.” The Tartan Army are also likely to be introduced to McBurnie, although McLeish has yet to watch him play in person. “We have not seen much of Oli McBurnie. He has come late in the day,” McLeish said. “I have seen the last three or four Barnsley videos and he looks as if he has got a character about him. He is a guy who wants to play for Scotland and who has the mentality to play for us. He is unfazed by any opponent he comes across.” Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that, following this month’s fixtures and the June visit to Peru and Mexico, Scotland will meet Belgium in a friendly at Hampden Park on Friday, September 7. McLeish said: “As a side currently ranked in the top five in the world, Belgium are the standard to which our players should be aspiring.”

Krakatoa, east of Princes Street, this was not. Despite Craig Levein’s prior attempts to induce a ‘volcanic’ occasion, the first ever Edinburgh derby to be played on a Friday night fell somewhat short of the Hearts manager’s billing. Those present, however, would have been excused for supposing that the first half featured two tectonic plates grinding against each other, such was the prevalence of shuddering collisions. Levein had taken care to offer his opposite number measured provocation during the build-up to the season’s fourth meeting of these rivals, by referring to Hearts’ derby victory in the William Hill Scottish Cup as ‘the natural order restored’. Neil Lennon’s reply, in a trackside interview before kick-off, was waspish. “Craig has a great derby record but no trophies to show for it, so well done,” said the Hibs manager. The start of the proceedings was delayed for almost five minutes when a smoke bomb was thrown on to the pitch at the Hearts end. The consequent billowing of sulphurous fume and flame suggested that the visiting support had taken Levein at his word. As for the action, once Bobby Madden signalled the commencement of play, it became clear within a few seconds that finesse was not a priority and by the quarter-hour mark, the incessant straining of sinew had taken its toll of Harry Cochrane, who limped off disconsolately with a hamstring injury. Cochrane was replaced by Anthony McDonald, one 16-year-old for another. Kick off was delayed as Easter Road after a smoke bomb was thrown onto the pitch Credit: Getty Images By the interval, Hibs could claim to have edged ahead on possession and alarms, two of which were generated by John McGinn, with one decent drive narrowly over the top and another on the ground that was taken by Jon McLaughlin. McGinn was arguably the best player on show, not a hotly contested distinction, it must be said, but one which attracted the attention of Michael Smith, who was booked for clattering the Hibs midfielder four minutes after the restart. Hearts’ difficulties increased shortly afterwards when Scott Allan, who had become a nuisance to the visitors with his diligent burrowing into the space behind the Hibs front two of Jamie Maclaren and Florian Kambera, latched on to a flick from Paul Hanlon to strike a low and measured shot between McLaughlin and his far post. Hibs have had cause to curse the Hearts crossbar previously this season and did so again when Maclaren saw his rising effort smack off the underside of the bar and bounce just on the wrong side of the line. Maclaren’s frustration was salved with 10 minutes remaining when Efe Ambrose found him inside the box for a similar finish to Allan’s, to send the Hearts fans streaming through the exits, many to gain consolation in the pubs before their gloating rivals did the same. Nevertheless, satisfied Hibees will no doubt wish to take up the issue of natural order with their neighbours in maroon when workplace debates resume on Monday. Match details Hibernian (3-4-1-2): Marciano; Ambrose, McGregor, Hanlon; Boyle, McGeouch (Swanson 90+4), McGinn, Stevenson; Allan; Kamberi, Maclaren (Bartley 73). Subs (unused): Bell (g), Whittaker, Rherras, Shaw, Porteous. Booked: Marciano. Heart of Midlothian (4-5-1): McLaughlin; Randall, Soutter, Berra, Smith (Henderson 83); Godinho, Naismith, Adao, Cochrane (McDonald 16), Moore (Amankwaa 62); Lafferty. Subs (unused): Hamilton (g), Hughes, Bauben, Callachan. Booked: Smith. Referee: Bobby Madden

Krakatoa, east of Princes Street, this was not. Despite Craig Levein’s prior attempts to induce a ‘volcanic’ occasion, the first ever Edinburgh derby to be played on a Friday night fell somewhat short of the Hearts manager’s billing. Those present, however, would have been excused for supposing that the first half featured two tectonic plates grinding against each other, such was the prevalence of shuddering collisions. Levein had taken care to offer his opposite number measured provocation during the build-up to the season’s fourth meeting of these rivals, by referring to Hearts’ derby victory in the William Hill Scottish Cup as ‘the natural order restored’. Neil Lennon’s reply, in a trackside interview before kick-off, was waspish. “Craig has a great derby record but no trophies to show for it, so well done,” said the Hibs manager. The start of the proceedings was delayed for almost five minutes when a smoke bomb was thrown on to the pitch at the Hearts end. The consequent billowing of sulphurous fume and flame suggested that the visiting support had taken Levein at his word. As for the action, once Bobby Madden signalled the commencement of play, it became clear within a few seconds that finesse was not a priority and by the quarter-hour mark, the incessant straining of sinew had taken its toll of Harry Cochrane, who limped off disconsolately with a hamstring injury. Cochrane was replaced by Anthony McDonald, one 16-year-old for another. Kick off was delayed as Easter Road after a smoke bomb was thrown onto the pitch Credit: Getty Images By the interval, Hibs could claim to have edged ahead on possession and alarms, two of which were generated by John McGinn, with one decent drive narrowly over the top and another on the ground that was taken by Jon McLaughlin. McGinn was arguably the best player on show, not a hotly contested distinction, it must be said, but one which attracted the attention of Michael Smith, who was booked for clattering the Hibs midfielder four minutes after the restart. Hearts’ difficulties increased shortly afterwards when Scott Allan, who had become a nuisance to the visitors with his diligent burrowing into the space behind the Hibs front two of Jamie Maclaren and Florian Kambera, latched on to a flick from Paul Hanlon to strike a low and measured shot between McLaughlin and his far post. Hibs have had cause to curse the Hearts crossbar previously this season and did so again when Maclaren saw his rising effort smack off the underside of the bar and bounce just on the wrong side of the line. Maclaren’s frustration was salved with 10 minutes remaining when Efe Ambrose found him inside the box for a similar finish to Allan’s, to send the Hearts fans streaming through the exits, many to gain consolation in the pubs before their gloating rivals did the same. Nevertheless, satisfied Hibees will no doubt wish to take up the issue of natural order with their neighbours in maroon when workplace debates resume on Monday. Match details Hibernian (3-4-1-2): Marciano; Ambrose, McGregor, Hanlon; Boyle, McGeouch (Swanson 90+4), McGinn, Stevenson; Allan; Kamberi, Maclaren (Bartley 73). Subs (unused): Bell (g), Whittaker, Rherras, Shaw, Porteous. Booked: Marciano. Heart of Midlothian (4-5-1): McLaughlin; Randall, Soutter, Berra, Smith (Henderson 83); Godinho, Naismith, Adao, Cochrane (McDonald 16), Moore (Amankwaa 62); Lafferty. Subs (unused): Hamilton (g), Hughes, Bauben, Callachan. Booked: Smith. Referee: Bobby Madden

Scottish football is getting more competitive at the top, insists Rangers manager Graeme Murty

Despite Celtic’s advance on a second successive domestic treble, Scottish football is getting more competitive at its top level, according to Graeme Murty. The Rangers manager made his case after Saturday’s 2-0 win at home to Heart of Midlothian, which saw his side move to within six points of Celtic ahead of the leaders’ meeting with Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Sunday. Although Celtic have faltered during this campaign, those sides closest to them in the table have previously been unable to close the gap because of their own stumbles. Murty, though, cited the fact that the champions’ points advantage is significantly less than half of what it was a year ago. He said: “Their nearest rivals are closer than for a long time and getting closer to the league that we all want it to be. So, regardless of what Celtic do, our job is to push ourselves further and improve and make sure that, come the end of the season, we’re still talking about title races and challenges at the top of the table and in the Scottish Cup. “We want to be right at the top of the table and involved in every competition we compete in. I’m sure Derek McInnes is saying that at Aberdeen, Neil Lennon is saying that at Hibs and Craig Levein is saying that at Hearts. We want to be closer to what Celtic have done over the last period and, whilst being respectful to them, we want to make sure the season isn’t over by March. “We’re closer but we’re not where we need to be. We’re still improving, we’re still gelling and getting the group tighter and quicker with the ball and more cohesive in all departments.” Alfredo Morales, Rangers’ Colombian striker, stated last week that his aim was to move to an English club, a declaration which Murty declared laudable. “Yes. We want ambitious players here – players that are hungry to get to that next level,” he said. “We have just signed contracts with Josh Windass and James Tavernier, who are ambitious, still hungry to go and play at the highest level, but they understand that this place, this environment, gives them a fantastic platform. “We play in front of masses and masses of people at home. Our fans travel in their thousands away and we get fantastic coverage in the media, so there are not many places in Britain which get better coverage than we get and if Alfredo wants to go to England, he’s got things he has to do here that will bring that closer to being a reality for him. “He wants to be on the pitch scoring goals and I think that his last few performances have shown that he’s a real asset to the team. He’s shown good enthusiasm, good quality and that predatory instinct that we love. “At the moment, fatigue hasn’t become an issue. What we do have is a really, really good squad that means that, if we get the opportunity, or we need to, we can freshen things up. “As I keep on reiterating, though, this group has not finished growing yet. You’ve seen it just at the very, very start of its journey and we have to continue that growth. “There will be setbacks along the way. There will be knockbacks. We just have to understand what we are building. We are closer than we have been recently. But close doesn’t appease people. We want to be in front.” Rangers scored late in each half, taking the lead just before the break from Jamie Murphy and securing their three points two minutes before full- time when Russell Martin netted his first for the club with a tap-in. Elsewhere, Hibernian stunned Kilmarnock at Rugby Park with a first-minute strike by Florian Kamberi and a header by Ryan Porteous and by the interval the visitors could claim that they were unfortunate not to have doubled their advantage. Kilmarnock, though, responded with a swift double on their own account, first with a Jordan Jones shot and then with a penalty kick by Kris Boyd, in a match which finished 2-2. At the other end of the table, Ross County remained bottom when they lost 2-0 to St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park, where Murray Davidson netted a double and a poor day for the Staggies deteriorated when Craig Curran was sent off in the closing stages. Partick Thistle dropped into the relegation play-off place when their habit of conceding last-gasp goals materialised again with David Templeton’s injury time winner in a 2-1 defeat at Hamilton, who leapfrogged the Jags into 10th spot. Accies are now two points behind Dundee, whose fans were noisily unhappy at losing to Motherwell at Dens Park, where Craig Tanner scored the only goal.

Celtic’s response to criticism of recent tepid performances was a comprehensive demolition of Heart of Midlothian in which Moussa Dembele – whose future has been the subject of much speculation during the transfer window – was a pivotal figure. After acting as provider to Odsonne Edouard and Dedryck Boyata, Dembele scored Celtic’s third before half time. Kyle Lafferty prevented a whitewash with a second half strike but it was no more than a punctuation in Celtic’s progress, which saw them move 14 points ahead of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership table, having played a game more than the Ibrox side. The lash of wind-driven rain on a dark night in the east end of Glasgow was supplemented by the prospect of an edge in this contest, which saw Celtic face the team who ended their extraordinary run of 69 games unbeaten in successive domestic fixtures on December 17 at Tynecastle. To add to the intrigue, both sides had been unbeaten since then, with Hearts conceding only the first goal in that passage against Motherwell at the weekend. They were to shop one so promptly on this occasion that Craig Levein and his players could have been under no illusions about Celtic’s desire to extract revenge for last month’s setback. Hearts’ hope that they could again impose their pressing game on the champions was evident from an energetic opening which saw them probe the Hoops defence from both flanks, with some degree of menace. Hearts presumably derived comfort and ambition from the absence of such Celtic regulars as Craig Gordon in goal and Leigh Griffiths up front. Certainly, their first cross from the right saw Gordon’s replacement, Dorus de Vries, come off his line without making contact. Any encouragement that visitors might have drawn from this jaunty start was quashed instantly, as Celtic struck with a sucker punch set up by Dembele and finished with a predatory left-foot finish by his attacking partner, Edouard. Dedryck Boyata makes it 2-0 from close range Credit: PA Dembele’s role as provider continued when Boyata doubled Celtic’s advantage after 24 minutes. The central defender had shifted upfield for a free kick and was still prowling around the box when he gathered a pass from his French colleague and took a touch before driving low between Jon McLaughlin and his near post. Ten minutes before the interval, Dembele joined the scoring spree after Kieran Tierney had shredded the right edge of Hearts’ defence to deliver a cutback which the striker rifled into the net. Those who had wondered where Dembele’s mind had been located in recent weeks – the Premier League being implied – could not help but note his emphatic celebrations, not only at his goal but also after his assists. Hearts, who badly needed a break, were struck a double blow as the game approached the midway mark. First, they lost Harry Cochrane – the teenager who scored against Celtic at the age of 16 last month – and then Ross Callachan, who were replaced by Prince Buaben and Danny Amankwaa respectively. For a spell in the second half, Hearts looked as though they were about to be swamped by waves of pressure featuring Dembele, Edouard and Olivier Ntcham and their propsects looked even bleaker when Celtic introduced their much-touted loan signing from Chelsea, Charly Musonda, who replaced James Forrest just after an hour. Instead, against expectation and the run of play, Hearts reduced the deficit when Lafferty fastened on to a loose ball and struck a curling shot past De Vries. This turn of events prompted Hearts’ most promising passage of the evening, although they remained conspicuously vulnerable at the back.

Celtic’s response to criticism of recent tepid performances was a comprehensive demolition of Heart of Midlothian in which Moussa Dembele – whose future has been the subject of much speculation during the transfer window – was a pivotal figure. After acting as provider to Odsonne Edouard and Dedryck Boyata, Dembele scored Celtic’s third before half time. Kyle Lafferty prevented a whitewash with a second half strike but it was no more than a punctuation in Celtic’s progress, which saw them move 14 points ahead of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership table, having played a game more than the Ibrox side. The lash of wind-driven rain on a dark night in the east end of Glasgow was supplemented by the prospect of an edge in this contest, which saw Celtic face the team who ended their extraordinary run of 69 games unbeaten in successive domestic fixtures on December 17 at Tynecastle. To add to the intrigue, both sides had been unbeaten since then, with Hearts conceding only the first goal in that passage against Motherwell at the weekend. They were to shop one so promptly on this occasion that Craig Levein and his players could have been under no illusions about Celtic’s desire to extract revenge for last month’s setback. Hearts’ hope that they could again impose their pressing game on the champions was evident from an energetic opening which saw them probe the Hoops defence from both flanks, with some degree of menace. Hearts presumably derived comfort and ambition from the absence of such Celtic regulars as Craig Gordon in goal and Leigh Griffiths up front. Certainly, their first cross from the right saw Gordon’s replacement, Dorus de Vries, come off his line without making contact. Any encouragement that visitors might have drawn from this jaunty start was quashed instantly, as Celtic struck with a sucker punch set up by Dembele and finished with a predatory left-foot finish by his attacking partner, Edouard. Dedryck Boyata makes it 2-0 from close range Credit: PA Dembele’s role as provider continued when Boyata doubled Celtic’s advantage after 24 minutes. The central defender had shifted upfield for a free kick and was still prowling around the box when he gathered a pass from his French colleague and took a touch before driving low between Jon McLaughlin and his near post. Ten minutes before the interval, Dembele joined the scoring spree after Kieran Tierney had shredded the right edge of Hearts’ defence to deliver a cutback which the striker rifled into the net. Those who had wondered where Dembele’s mind had been located in recent weeks – the Premier League being implied – could not help but note his emphatic celebrations, not only at his goal but also after his assists. Hearts, who badly needed a break, were struck a double blow as the game approached the midway mark. First, they lost Harry Cochrane – the teenager who scored against Celtic at the age of 16 last month – and then Ross Callachan, who were replaced by Prince Buaben and Danny Amankwaa respectively. For a spell in the second half, Hearts looked as though they were about to be swamped by waves of pressure featuring Dembele, Edouard and Olivier Ntcham and their propsects looked even bleaker when Celtic introduced their much-touted loan signing from Chelsea, Charly Musonda, who replaced James Forrest just after an hour. Instead, against expectation and the run of play, Hearts reduced the deficit when Lafferty fastened on to a loose ball and struck a curling shot past De Vries. This turn of events prompted Hearts’ most promising passage of the evening, although they remained conspicuously vulnerable at the back.

Celtic 2 Partick Thistle 0: Brendan Rodgers' Bhoys get back to winning ways to extend lead at top of the table

Normal business was resumed by Celtic who responded to the condign punishment administered in a 4-0 defeat by Heart of Midlothian by dispatching Partick Thistle in this rearranged home fixture for a victory which put the league leaders five points clear of second-placed Aberdeen, who are Saturday’s visitors. Much of the proceedings, especially in the early stages, were conducted in a desultory fashion but the occasion was enlivened by fine goals from Stuart Armstrong and Kieran Tierney, on either side of the interval. Marvin Compper, the central defender signed from Red Bull Leipzig earlier this week, flew into Glasgow to be introduced to the crowd at half time, although his first appearance at Celtic Park was almost a sodden affair, averted because he displayed sharp reflexes to avoid the deluge of a pitch sprinkler which erupted unexpectedly in his vicinity. Alan Archibald, the Thistle manager, had warned his players to anticipate a backlash from the champions, but his fears were not substantiated during a first half in which the home players and supporters were largely listless. The atmosphere was not helped by the clusters of empty seats vacated by fans whose attention was presumably diverted to the joys or demands of the festive season. Brendan Rodgers had said beforehand that that the best response to the unexpected but emphatic setback at Tynecastle would be for Celtic to press the reset button. He made three changes to his weekend team, with Jozo Simunovic, Olivier Ntcham and Leigh Griffiths replaced by Kristoffer Ajer, Armstrong and Odsonne Edouard. Thistle, meanwhile, included Steven Lawless and the 19-year-old Andrew McCarthy, in place of Martin Woods and Conor Sammon, after the 2-0 defeat by Dundee at Dens Park. The Jags’ 4-5-1 deployment proved sufficient to smother the Hoops’ ambition for most of the opening 45 minutes. History did not favour the visitors, who had not won in the east end of Glasgow since 1995 – although they achieved a draw at Parkhead in April and they could not replicate the intensity of the pressing game which proved so effective for Hearts but, they proved sufficiently diligent to contain the league leaders effectively until 10 minutes before half time. By that stage Celtic had a superior, but not overwhelming, share of possession and Thistle had given themselves encouragement by forcing two corner kicks. Armstrong’s moment came when he gathered a pass from Tierney, glanced up and saw that, for once, the available space had not been filled by a Thistle defender. The Celtic midfielder’s left-foot shot left Thomas Cerny stranded on its way high into the net. Celtic’s habit is to raise the tempo immediately after the interval, especially against opponents who succeed in generating a degree of frustration by deep defensive tactics and Cerny was twice forced to make good saves from Edouard but, midway through the second half the Firhill goalkeeper was confounded by another move involving the tireless Tierney. In this instance, the Celtic left-back pushed up to link with Scott Sinclair, exchanged passes with the winger and finished with a fierce drive between Cerny and his near post. The goal conveniently coincided with the Hoops fans’ commemoration of the club’s 1967 triumph in the European Cup final in Lisbon – the massed display of mobile phone torch lights – and Celtic Park was at last suffused with a general feeling of wellbeing. Match details Celtic (4-2-3-1): Gordon; Lustig, Ajer, Boyata, Tierney; Armstrong, Brown; Forrest (Hayes 61), McGregor, Sinclair (Johnston 70); Edouard (Griffiths 78). Subs (unused): Hazard (g), Dembele, Ntcham, Sviatchenko. Partick Thistle (4-5-1): Cerny; McGinn, Keown, Devine, Turnbull; Spittal (Fraser 72), Edwards, McCarthy (Erskine 57), Barton, Lawless; Storey (Doolan 75). Booked: Fraser, McGinn. Subs (unused): Scully (g), Nitriansky, Sammon, Nisbet. Booked: McCarthy, Barton, Devine. Referee: Alan Muir.

Scottish clubs set national charity records, with SPFL now 'fourth most community-focused league in the world'

Scottish football has not been at the top table of international competition for 20 years – hence the SFA’s urgent desire to find a manager with the Midas touch – but the country’s clubs have never been more successful at providing aid to charities and worthy causes in their communities. Independent research commissioned by the Scottish Professional Football League has revealed that 770,000 local people – an annual increase of over 60,000 - have been engaged in community initiatives involving all 42 league clubs. The research also found that season ticket holders were well served by making a commitment to back their team throughout the campaign. Headline figures show that clubs engaged with approximately 772,000 people via community activity in season 2016/17, many supported by programmes run and organised by the SPFL Trust, the charitable arm of the league. Around 86 per cent of all clubs provide free tickets to matches for community groups, charities and other worthy causes, with an estimated total of 84,000 donated last season. The number of clubs offering free admission to children has risen to 62 per cent, up 5 per cent on last year’s figure. The average maximum saving for supporters across all four divisions buying a 2017/18 season ticket is £96.20, when compared with paying at the gate. Attendance figures also told an encouraging story, with total crowds for the four Ladbrokes divisions exceeding four million in season 2016/17, a 12 per cent increase year on year, while almost a quarter of a million supporters attended the first two matches of the 2017/18 season to set a new record for the SPFL. Nicky Reid, chief executive of the SPFL Trust, said: “The recent Responsiball annual report now places the SPFL as the fourth most community-focused league in the world, based on their analysis of the 25 biggest national competitions. “A rise of three places year on year, shows that this is an area of significant strength and opportunity for Scottish football. In the past year, the SPFL Trust and our clubs have been trusted to work on projects funded by the Scottish Government, Big Lottery Fund, Erasmus, Scottish Water, Kinder+Sport, and the SPFL itself amongst others. “Our Trusted Trophy Tour also visited more than 20 clubs and demonstrated the power that football has for good across a wide range of projects. Trust is hard-earned and we all accept the responsibilities that come with that, but the direction of travel is extremely positive.” The SFA, meanwhile, announced that its Elite club football academies are Aberdeen, Celtic, Hamilton, Heart of Midlothian, Hibernian, Kilmarnock, Motherwell and Rangers. The second-tier Progressive grade consists of Ayr United, Dundee United, Forth Valley, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Partick Thistle, Ross County,St Mirren and St Johnstone. The third-tier Progressive level academies are Dundee, Fife, Greenock Morton and Queen’s Park. Scottish FA Performance Director Malky Mackay said: “What I would like to stress is that the bandings are not fixed and they will be reassessed in June 2018. No door is closed to clubs outside of the Elite bracket with aspirations to move up.”

Scotland will play their first competitive game on artificial turf in their crucial World Cup qualifier against Lithuania in two weeks and Gordon Strachan has revealed that he will attempt to familiarise his players with a similar surface when they assemble next week. The LFF stadium in Vilnius will host the Scots on September 1 – and also England’s final Group F fixture on October 8 – with Strachan’s men aware that anything less than a win will render their play-off hopes virtually redundant. After announcing his squad for the double header with Lithuania and Malta, the manager acknowledged that the Vilnius playing surface would be a factor in his preparatory timetable, while declaring that he was not unduly worried about it. “It’s just something that’s got to be dealt with,” he said. “It’s more like Kilmarnock’s playing surface than any others. A lot of the guys have played on artificial surfaces, so we looked about and we’ve found a place that we think is similar. Then you’ve got to decide how long you want to train on it.” In 2016 the Rangers striker, Martyn Waghorn, was injured at Rugby Park and the Ibrox club reacted with a statement that “the unforgiving Rugby Park surface resulted in bruising and lacerations which were immediately visible.” Strachan isn't overly concerned about the pitch in Lithuania Credit: REUTERS The then Kilmarnock chairman, Michael Johnston, said: "The 3G pitch at Rugby Park is not only FIFA 2 star compliant, but also meets the higher standards set by international rugby.” Although Celtic became the latest club to play at Kilmarnock in their 2-0 Scottish Premiership win on Saturday, Strachan has budgeted for those unfamiliar with the surface. “The lads in the Premier League in England, or the Championship, don’t really train on that at all, so we need to speak to our sports people,” he said. “But the players shouldn’t get too spooked at all because the actual surfaces are not that bad now - nowhere near like the days QPR and Luton Town were like cement you were playing on. “It was crazy — nobody could play on that. We’ve got a place where we'll train, but not Kilmarnock. We just thought the travelling there and back would be too much.” Celtic’s current domination of the Scottish game was reflected by the inclusion of six Hoops players in a 27-strong squad. There were no representatives from Aberdeen or Rangers, although Christophe Berra of Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian’s Steven Whittaker were both included amongst the defenders. Leigh Griffiths is one of seven Celtic players in the squad Credit: PA Also amongst the defensive contingent is Andrew Robertson, whose move to Liverpool has gratified the manager. “There are clubs where you sign, you turn up, you play and you see how it goes, but when you are talking about teams like Liverpool you must win,” Strachan said. “I am sure he will enjoy that pressure. He has been asked questions all through his life and he has answered them. He is ready now for that top club. “There was a plateau at Hull when he first got there and he dealt with that. He has no fear going forward. His fitness is fantastic so he can go on these runs that others might not go on because they find it difficult getting back.” One new face in the squad is that of Jordan Archer, the Millwall goalkeeper, who will almost certainly not see action but gets a call-up because Hull’s David Marshall is injured. Robert Snodgrass, meanwhile, is surplus to requirements at West Ham but, although the midfielder’s future is uncertain, Strachan wants the player’s involvement with Scotland to offer him continuity. Snodgrass is already out of favour at West Ham Credit: GETTY IMAGES “Is it a show of loyalty? Yes, but it’s also an understanding of his ability to make things happen – and he’s show he can make things happen here,” he said. “It’s not blind loyalty, because I do show loyalty to everybody who’s given it to us and to the group.” Scotland’s most recent outing, of course, was in the 2-2 draw with England at Hampden Park when Leigh Griffiths’ two dazzling free kick strikes gave Strachan’s side a late lead which was cancelled in injury time by Harry Kane’s equaliser. “I keep thinking about the excitement of that 15 minutes rather than a point won or two points lost,” said Strachan. “It kind of got through to the point where I thought: ‘Hmm, it was definitely two points lost’ It was an emotional game and it took us a wee while to get over it. “For the next month it was non-stop, people telling me how it felt at the time. Even English people I know felt desperate for us, which I found hard to believe. They must have been patronising us - but they knew it was hard for us to take.” Local support

Scotland will play their first competitive game on artificial turf in their crucial World Cup qualifier against Lithuania in two weeks and Gordon Strachan has revealed that he will attempt to familiarise his players with a similar surface when they assemble next week. The LFF stadium in Vilnius will host the Scots on September 1 – and also England’s final Group F fixture on October 8 – with Strachan’s men aware that anything less than a win will render their play-off hopes virtually redundant. After announcing his squad for the double header with Lithuania and Malta, the manager acknowledged that the Vilnius playing surface would be a factor in his preparatory timetable, while declaring that he was not unduly worried about it. “It’s just something that’s got to be dealt with,” he said. “It’s more like Kilmarnock’s playing surface than any others. A lot of the guys have played on artificial surfaces, so we looked about and we’ve found a place that we think is similar. Then you’ve got to decide how long you want to train on it.” In 2016 the Rangers striker, Martyn Waghorn, was injured at Rugby Park and the Ibrox club reacted with a statement that “the unforgiving Rugby Park surface resulted in bruising and lacerations which were immediately visible.” Strachan isn't overly concerned about the pitch in Lithuania Credit: REUTERS The then Kilmarnock chairman, Michael Johnston, said: "The 3G pitch at Rugby Park is not only FIFA 2 star compliant, but also meets the higher standards set by international rugby.” Although Celtic became the latest club to play at Kilmarnock in their 2-0 Scottish Premiership win on Saturday, Strachan has budgeted for those unfamiliar with the surface. “The lads in the Premier League in England, or the Championship, don’t really train on that at all, so we need to speak to our sports people,” he said. “But the players shouldn’t get too spooked at all because the actual surfaces are not that bad now - nowhere near like the days QPR and Luton Town were like cement you were playing on. “It was crazy — nobody could play on that. We’ve got a place where we'll train, but not Kilmarnock. We just thought the travelling there and back would be too much.” Celtic’s current domination of the Scottish game was reflected by the inclusion of six Hoops players in a 27-strong squad. There were no representatives from Aberdeen or Rangers, although Christophe Berra of Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian’s Steven Whittaker were both included amongst the defenders. Leigh Griffiths is one of seven Celtic players in the squad Credit: PA Also amongst the defensive contingent is Andrew Robertson, whose move to Liverpool has gratified the manager. “There are clubs where you sign, you turn up, you play and you see how it goes, but when you are talking about teams like Liverpool you must win,” Strachan said. “I am sure he will enjoy that pressure. He has been asked questions all through his life and he has answered them. He is ready now for that top club. “There was a plateau at Hull when he first got there and he dealt with that. He has no fear going forward. His fitness is fantastic so he can go on these runs that others might not go on because they find it difficult getting back.” One new face in the squad is that of Jordan Archer, the Millwall goalkeeper, who will almost certainly not see action but gets a call-up because Hull’s David Marshall is injured. Robert Snodgrass, meanwhile, is surplus to requirements at West Ham but, although the midfielder’s future is uncertain, Strachan wants the player’s involvement with Scotland to offer him continuity. Snodgrass is already out of favour at West Ham Credit: GETTY IMAGES “Is it a show of loyalty? Yes, but it’s also an understanding of his ability to make things happen – and he’s show he can make things happen here,” he said. “It’s not blind loyalty, because I do show loyalty to everybody who’s given it to us and to the group.” Scotland’s most recent outing, of course, was in the 2-2 draw with England at Hampden Park when Leigh Griffiths’ two dazzling free kick strikes gave Strachan’s side a late lead which was cancelled in injury time by Harry Kane’s equaliser. “I keep thinking about the excitement of that 15 minutes rather than a point won or two points lost,” said Strachan. “It kind of got through to the point where I thought: ‘Hmm, it was definitely two points lost’ It was an emotional game and it took us a wee while to get over it. “For the next month it was non-stop, people telling me how it felt at the time. Even English people I know felt desperate for us, which I found hard to believe. They must have been patronising us - but they knew it was hard for us to take.” Local support

Scotland will play their first competitive game on artificial turf in their crucial World Cup qualifier against Lithuania in two weeks and Gordon Strachan has revealed that he will attempt to familiarise his players with a similar surface when they assemble next week. The LFF stadium in Vilnius will host the Scots on September 1 – and also England’s final Group F fixture on October 8 – with Strachan’s men aware that anything less than a win will render their play-off hopes virtually redundant. After announcing his squad for the double header with Lithuania and Malta, the manager acknowledged that the Vilnius playing surface would be a factor in his preparatory timetable, while declaring that he was not unduly worried about it. “It’s just something that’s got to be dealt with,” he said. “It’s more like Kilmarnock’s playing surface than any others. A lot of the guys have played on artificial surfaces, so we looked about and we’ve found a place that we think is similar. Then you’ve got to decide how long you want to train on it.” In 2016 the Rangers striker, Martyn Waghorn, was injured at Rugby Park and the Ibrox club reacted with a statement that “the unforgiving Rugby Park surface resulted in bruising and lacerations which were immediately visible.” Strachan isn't overly concerned about the pitch in Lithuania Credit: REUTERS The then Kilmarnock chairman, Michael Johnston, said: "The 3G pitch at Rugby Park is not only FIFA 2 star compliant, but also meets the higher standards set by international rugby.” Although Celtic became the latest club to play at Kilmarnock in their 2-0 Scottish Premiership win on Saturday, Strachan has budgeted for those unfamiliar with the surface. “The lads in the Premier League in England, or the Championship, don’t really train on that at all, so we need to speak to our sports people,” he said. “But the players shouldn’t get too spooked at all because the actual surfaces are not that bad now - nowhere near like the days QPR and Luton Town were like cement you were playing on. “It was crazy — nobody could play on that. We’ve got a place where we'll train, but not Kilmarnock. We just thought the travelling there and back would be too much.” Celtic’s current domination of the Scottish game was reflected by the inclusion of six Hoops players in a 27-strong squad. There were no representatives from Aberdeen or Rangers, although Christophe Berra of Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian’s Steven Whittaker were both included amongst the defenders. Leigh Griffiths is one of seven Celtic players in the squad Credit: PA Also amongst the defensive contingent is Andrew Robertson, whose move to Liverpool has gratified the manager. “There are clubs where you sign, you turn up, you play and you see how it goes, but when you are talking about teams like Liverpool you must win,” Strachan said. “I am sure he will enjoy that pressure. He has been asked questions all through his life and he has answered them. He is ready now for that top club. “There was a plateau at Hull when he first got there and he dealt with that. He has no fear going forward. His fitness is fantastic so he can go on these runs that others might not go on because they find it difficult getting back.” One new face in the squad is that of Jordan Archer, the Millwall goalkeeper, who will almost certainly not see action but gets a call-up because Hull’s David Marshall is injured. Robert Snodgrass, meanwhile, is surplus to requirements at West Ham but, although the midfielder’s future is uncertain, Strachan wants the player’s involvement with Scotland to offer him continuity. Snodgrass is already out of favour at West Ham Credit: GETTY IMAGES “Is it a show of loyalty? Yes, but it’s also an understanding of his ability to make things happen – and he’s show he can make things happen here,” he said. “It’s not blind loyalty, because I do show loyalty to everybody who’s given it to us and to the group.” Scotland’s most recent outing, of course, was in the 2-2 draw with England at Hampden Park when Leigh Griffiths’ two dazzling free kick strikes gave Strachan’s side a late lead which was cancelled in injury time by Harry Kane’s equaliser. “I keep thinking about the excitement of that 15 minutes rather than a point won or two points lost,” said Strachan. “It kind of got through to the point where I thought: ‘Hmm, it was definitely two points lost’ It was an emotional game and it took us a wee while to get over it. “For the next month it was non-stop, people telling me how it felt at the time. Even English people I know felt desperate for us, which I found hard to believe. They must have been patronising us - but they knew it was hard for us to take.” Local support

Scotland will play their first competitive game on artificial turf in their crucial World Cup qualifier against Lithuania in two weeks and Gordon Strachan has revealed that he will attempt to familiarise his players with a similar surface when they assemble next week. The LFF stadium in Vilnius will host the Scots on September 1 – and also England’s final Group F fixture on October 8 – with Strachan’s men aware that anything less than a win will render their play-off hopes virtually redundant. After announcing his squad for the double header with Lithuania and Malta, the manager acknowledged that the Vilnius playing surface would be a factor in his preparatory timetable, while declaring that he was not unduly worried about it. “It’s just something that’s got to be dealt with,” he said. “It’s more like Kilmarnock’s playing surface than any others. A lot of the guys have played on artificial surfaces, so we looked about and we’ve found a place that we think is similar. Then you’ve got to decide how long you want to train on it.” In 2016 the Rangers striker, Martyn Waghorn, was injured at Rugby Park and the Ibrox club reacted with a statement that “the unforgiving Rugby Park surface resulted in bruising and lacerations which were immediately visible.” Strachan isn't overly concerned about the pitch in Lithuania Credit: REUTERS The then Kilmarnock chairman, Michael Johnston, said: "The 3G pitch at Rugby Park is not only FIFA 2 star compliant, but also meets the higher standards set by international rugby.” Although Celtic became the latest club to play at Kilmarnock in their 2-0 Scottish Premiership win on Saturday, Strachan has budgeted for those unfamiliar with the surface. “The lads in the Premier League in England, or the Championship, don’t really train on that at all, so we need to speak to our sports people,” he said. “But the players shouldn’t get too spooked at all because the actual surfaces are not that bad now - nowhere near like the days QPR and Luton Town were like cement you were playing on. “It was crazy — nobody could play on that. We’ve got a place where we'll train, but not Kilmarnock. We just thought the travelling there and back would be too much.” Celtic’s current domination of the Scottish game was reflected by the inclusion of six Hoops players in a 27-strong squad. There were no representatives from Aberdeen or Rangers, although Christophe Berra of Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian’s Steven Whittaker were both included amongst the defenders. Leigh Griffiths is one of seven Celtic players in the squad Credit: PA Also amongst the defensive contingent is Andrew Robertson, whose move to Liverpool has gratified the manager. “There are clubs where you sign, you turn up, you play and you see how it goes, but when you are talking about teams like Liverpool you must win,” Strachan said. “I am sure he will enjoy that pressure. He has been asked questions all through his life and he has answered them. He is ready now for that top club. “There was a plateau at Hull when he first got there and he dealt with that. He has no fear going forward. His fitness is fantastic so he can go on these runs that others might not go on because they find it difficult getting back.” One new face in the squad is that of Jordan Archer, the Millwall goalkeeper, who will almost certainly not see action but gets a call-up because Hull’s David Marshall is injured. Robert Snodgrass, meanwhile, is surplus to requirements at West Ham but, although the midfielder’s future is uncertain, Strachan wants the player’s involvement with Scotland to offer him continuity. Snodgrass is already out of favour at West Ham Credit: GETTY IMAGES “Is it a show of loyalty? Yes, but it’s also an understanding of his ability to make things happen – and he’s show he can make things happen here,” he said. “It’s not blind loyalty, because I do show loyalty to everybody who’s given it to us and to the group.” Scotland’s most recent outing, of course, was in the 2-2 draw with England at Hampden Park when Leigh Griffiths’ two dazzling free kick strikes gave Strachan’s side a late lead which was cancelled in injury time by Harry Kane’s equaliser. “I keep thinking about the excitement of that 15 minutes rather than a point won or two points lost,” said Strachan. “It kind of got through to the point where I thought: ‘Hmm, it was definitely two points lost’ It was an emotional game and it took us a wee while to get over it. “For the next month it was non-stop, people telling me how it felt at the time. Even English people I know felt desperate for us, which I found hard to believe. They must have been patronising us - but they knew it was hard for us to take.” Local support

Celtic fans are seen outside a pub in 'The Barras' market area,Scotland

Celtic fans are seen outside a pub in 'The Barras' market area, close to Celtic Park after the last match of the season against Heart of Midlothian, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, May 21, 2017. Picture taken May 21, 2017 REUTERS/Paul Hackett

Celtic fans are seen in Celtic Park,Scotland

Celtic fans are seen in Celtic Park during the last match of the season against Heart of Midlothian, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, May 21, 2017. Picture taken May 21, 2017 REUTERS/Paul Hackett

Celtic fans walk from Celtic Park after the last match of the season against Heart of Midlothian,Scotland

Celtic fans walk from Celtic Park after the last match of the season against Heart of Midlothian, Glasgow, Scotland,Britain, May 21, 2017. Picture taken May 21, 2017 REUTERS/Paul Hackett

Celtic fans celebrate in 'The Squirrel bar' in 'The Barras' market area, close to Celtic Park after the last match of the season against Heart of Midlothian, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, May 21, 2017. Picture taken May 21, 2017 REUTERS/Paul Hackett

Celtic fans react to play at Celtic Park,Scotland

Celtic fans react to play at Celtic Park during the last match of the season against Heart of Midlothian, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, May 21, 2017. Picture taken May 21, 2017 REUTERS/Paul Hackett

Celtic fans gather outside Bar' 67 after the last match of the season against Heart of Midlothian, Scotland

Celtic fans gather outside Bar' 67 after the last match of the season against Heart of Midlothian, Glasgow, Scotland,Britain, May 21, 2017. Picture taken May 21, 2017 REUTERS/Paul Hackett

A Celtic fan shows off his tattoos in Bar'67 after the last match of the season against Heart of Midlothian,Scotland

A Celtic fan shows off his tattoos in Bar' 67 after the last match of the season against Heart of Midlothian, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, May 21, 2017. Picture taken May 21, 2017 REUTERS/Paul Hackett

Celtic fans gather outside Celtic Park in front of the statue of Billy McNeill holding up the European Cup

Celtic fans gather outside Celtic Park in front of the statue of Billy McNeill holding up the European Cup, before the last match of the season against Heart of Midlothian, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, May 21, 2017. Picture taken May 21, 2017 REUTERS/Paul Hackett

Celtic fans react at Celtic Park during the last match of the season against Heart of Midlothian,Scotland

Celtic fans react at Celtic Park during the last match of the season against Heart of Midlothian, Glasgow, Scotland,Britain, May 21, 2017. Picture taken May 21, 2017 REUTERS/Paul Hackett

Celtic fans gather outside Celtic Park before the last match of the season against Heart of Midlothian,Scotland

Celtic fans gather outside Celtic Park before the last match of the season against Heart of Midlothian, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, May 21, 2017. Picture taken May 21, 2017 REUTERS/Paul Hackett

Celtic fans react to a goal at Celtic Park,Scotland

Celtic fans react to a goal at Celtic Park during the last match of the season against Heart of Midlothian, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, May 21, 2017. Picture taken May 21, 2017 REUTERS/Paul Hackett

Celtic player Kieran Tierney takes a selfie at Celtic Park after the last match of the season against Heart of Midlothian,Scotland

Celtic player Kieran Tierney takes a selfie at Celtic Park after the last match of the season against Heart of Midlothian, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, May 21, 2017. Picture taken May 21, 2017 REUTERS/Paul Hackett

Celtic fans are seen in Celtic Park,Scotland

Celtic fans are seen in Celtic Park before the last match of the season against Heart of Midlothian, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, May 21, 2017. Picture taken May 21, 2017 REUTERS/Paul Hackett

Celtic fans gather outside Celtic Park before the last match of the season against Heart of Midlothian,Scotland

Celtic fans gather outside Celtic Park before the last match of the season against Heart of Midlothian, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, May 21, 2017. Picture taken May 21, 2017 REUTERS/Paul Hackett

Lisbon Lion Jim Craig (R) talks to Celtic player Mikael Lustig outside Celtic Park before the last match of the season against Heart of Midlothian, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain,May 21, 2017. Picture taken May 21, 2017 REUTERS/Paul Hackett

General view of a Celtic badge in honour of the 1967 European Cup Final before the match

Britain Football Soccer - Celtic v Heart of Midlothian - Scottish Premiership - Celtic Park - 21/5/17 General view of a Celtic badge in honour of the 1967 European Cup Final before the match Reuters / Russell Cheyne Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.

Tommy Boyd, Jim Craig (C) and Willie Wallace (R) with the Scottish Premiership Trophy outside the stadium before the match